Since their first show, 2013’s Our House, DYMT has been consistently excellent in its choice of shows and its production of them.

Last year’s Phantom Of The Opera featured West End-quality vocal performances and filled every single inch of the Guildhall stage. A move to Derby Theatre’s impressive stage seemed inevitable – and here it is, with West Side Story, a vivid retelling of Romeo and Juliet in 1950s Manhattan.

A superbly detailed set – a street scene featuring fire escape ladders, scaffolding and entrances – complements the drama perfectly, transforming with just a change in lighting and a couple of props. It’s also a statement of intent – everything is bigger.

The group seize the chance to showcase their choreography – a joyous riot of colour and passion in America, a thrilling comedic romp in Gee, Officer Krupke, a heartfelt farewell in the finale’s Somewhere.

Derby Youth Musical Theatre's Jets in rehearsal (Image: Haydn Robe)

Larger staging demands larger performances and the cast deliver with gusto. Lucas Young’s Riff is fierce and loyal; Curtis Taylor-Tipton’s Action a volatile presence. Emma Balderston’s Anybodys is well observed; each of the other Jets is impressively individualised.

The same can be said for the Sharks – Sam Fretwell’s Barnardo is intense and furious; William Evans’ Chino is thoughtful but brash. Holly Twells’ Anita is tumultuous and sentimental, her torment between her two cultures well realised.

But among such talent, the leads shine with complex, intuitive performances. Ryan Wiggins’ Tony is a soulful, thoughtful youth, torn between loyalty to the gang who are his family, and to Mia Mitchell’s spirited, passionate Maria, the girl who could be his future away from the violence of the streets.

Both leads feature stunning vocal performances in a show packed to the rafters with them – their One Hand, One Heart is heartbreaking, and I defy anyone to leave the theatre clear-eyed after the emotionally devastating finale.

Other songs of note are Hope Redfern’s haunting, melancholy Somewhere, the Jets ensemble Gee, Officer Krupke (the most amusing scene in the show) and the glorious America, which is as joyous and entertaining as you’d hope for.

The show is full of enthusiasm, but hints at darkness when necessary. One sequence at the end handles a potentially upsetting situation with poetic sensitivity and originality. The themes are sadly still relevant today – bigotry, belonging, betrayal – but they are overwhelmed by a fervour for joy, for happiness, for acceptance and understanding.

A truthful, passionate, lively paean to life, love and loyalty, DYMT’s West Side Story was a triumph. Phenomenal.